Peter Blake, one of the prominent farmers of Cass Township, was born in Greenbrier County, Va., Feb. 17, 1828. His parents, Alexandria and Margaret Blake, were likewise natives of that State. They came West in 1830, locating in Berrien County, MIch., where our subject remained until 1850, when he went to California and engaged in mining and prospecting there three years. His parents in the meantime had settled in Cass Towhnship, and in 1853 he also came to Clayton County and purchased a farm of 120 acres in Lodomillo Township, which he soon disposed of and bought land in Delaware County. The following year he sold that farm and purchased 120 acres in Cass Township, which he subsequently traded for the farm he now owns. It consists of 200 acres of rich land, well cultivated and containing many excellent improvements. He has also engaged in the mercantile, and other branches of business in connection with farming. On July 16, 1854, he married Elizabeth A. Cook, who was born in Jo Daviess County, Ill. Of four children born unto them three are living-- William H., Clara A. and Fred J. Mr. Blake is a member of the Masonic order, and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Assessor a number of terms. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 691 |